Skin barrier repair and Centella Asiatica

One of the most valuable lessons in skincare: a strong skin barrier is the cornerstone of radiant skin. Whether your skin suffers from redness and irritation due to excessive use of active ingredients, or you aspire to adopt a more intuitive routine, strengthening the skin barrier must be at the center of your concerns. 

Reasons for a weakened skin barrier :

The skin barrier can be disrupted by intrinsic factors such as genetic disorders, stress or other illnesses. Extrinsic factors include excessive exposure to the sun, chemical irritants, pollution, smoking, lack of sleep and allergens.

How to determine if your skin barrier is damaged :

Dry, dull, irritated skin, acne flare-ups, rosacea, eczema, altered skin color and itching may indicate an impaired skin barrier.

Factors to consider :

Age is also a factor, as the natural production of lipids, ceramides and moisturizers diminishes with age.

How to repair a damaged skin barrier :

1. Simplify your skincare routine: Opt for a minimalist routine, avoiding aggressive active ingredients.

2. Restore and repair: choose moisturizers rich in ceramides and incorporate hyaluronic acid.

3. Be gentle: Avoid excessive exfoliation and use lukewarm water to avoid irritation.

4. Eliminate assets and reintegrate them gradually: Reintegrate one asset at a time and opt for softer options.

How to avoid further damage:

Avoid frequent product changes, and use antioxidant-rich moisturizers with a high SPF. 

Centella Asiatica

An ideal ingredient for repairing the skin barrier is Centella asiatica. However, this plant has many other virtues, which may be of interest to different skin types. 

Centella asiatica, a herbaceous plant native to Asia, is cultivated mainly in swampy areas of tropical and subtropical countries, and has spread beyond Asia and Oceania, finding a home in South Africa and Madagascar. 

The history of Centella asiatica dates back to Asian legends in which tigers used the plant to heal their wounds, hence its nickname "tiger grass". For over two millennia, civilizations in China, India and Indonesia have recognized its medicinal properties, using it in poultices to treat various skin ailments, including those associated with leprosy.

Cosmetic properties of Centella asiatica :

Skin regeneration :

Centella asiatica, rich in active molecules such as saponosides (madecassoside, asiaticoside) and triterpenes (asiatic acid, madecassic acid), promotes collagen synthesis. This protein, crucial to skin firmness, often sees its production decline with age. 

Antioxidation :

The phenolic compounds present in the plant's leaves, roots and petioles give Centella asiatica its antioxidant properties. It effectively limits the production of free radicals, caused by external factors such as sunlight, pollution and tobacco, which are responsible for premature skin aging.

Skin repair :

Various studies have demonstrated Centella Asiatica's effectiveness in reducing stretch marks, scars and skin tags, underlining its restorative benefits.

Stimulates blood microcirculation:

The plant tones blood vessel walls, preventing the formation of varicose veins. At the same time, it stimulates microcirculation, contributing to better oxygenation of skin tissue. 

Hair strengthening :

Centella asiatica works deep down to strengthen the hair fiber, making hair stronger and healthier. 

Our selection : 

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule

 

COSRX Centella Aqua Soothing Ampoule

 

BEAUTY OF JOSEON Centella Asiatica Calming Mask

 

ERBORIAN CC Cream with Centella Asiatica

 

MIXSOON Centella Asiatica Toner